Far from the only place where I still feel connected to my father.
“Three detentions in less than a month for reckless driving, when you weren’t even allowed to drive. You stole the cars!”
“I can’t steal what belongs to me.”
He runs both hands down his face. “Everything here belongs to you, son, but you can’t use your father’s vintage car collection. You’re still too young.”
I stand. “Are you done talking?”
“You’re not making this easy.”
“Why would I? Just tell me when I’m supposed to leave. I don’t give a damn about your fake lamentations.”
I turn my back and walk out of the room. I’m getting really good at running away. It’s a shame I don’t know how to escape from my own memories.
Switzerland
“What’s your problem?” a third-year bully shouts.
It’s the break between classes. Every afternoon we get half an hour in the courtyard. Other than that, the only free time is morning physical training. Strict discipline for troubled billionaire boys.
I haven’t spoken to any of the boarders since I arrived. This place isn’t my home, and I hope I can leave soon.
Still, I noticed a group around my age who are always together.
Sometimes I catch them watching me, but they’ve never said hello. I prefer it that way. I hate small talk.
“Did you hear what I asked you?” the idiot keeps going. Maybe he thinks he can intimidate me because he’s older.
I almost smile, itching for him to make a move. It’s been over a month since I’ve traded blows with anyone. “What if I sayyou’re my problem?”
In my peripheral vision, I see the same group of boys leaning against a wall. I glance over quickly, and maybe I’m going crazy, but it looks like they’re trying not to laugh.
At me? Because if they are, once I’m done with this idiot here, I’m taking each one of them down.
“If you say that, you’re dead,” he snarls, jabbing his finger into my chest.
It’s barely fun. I just grab his arm and twist it behind his back, and my opponent starts screaming like a baby. To make it worthwhile, I land a punch in his stomach.
I hear snorts of laughter and applause and realize they’re coming from the boys.
“Not bad for a freshman.” One of them, darker-skinned with black hair, steps forward.
“Maybe I can show you I can do even better,” I say, shifting into a fighting stance.
He smiles, shaking his head, as if he’s not taking me seriously, which irritates me. He looks a bit older than I am, but now I’m sure he’s not mocking me.
“What the hell do you want, if you’re not trying to pick a fight?” I ask.
“To get you out of trouble, Red.”
He looks over my shoulder, and I notice two supervisors coming.
“This way!” he shouts, and I don’t think twice before following him as they all take off.
During my first months at the school, I explored the buildings. Most of the time because I wanted to be alone.
By now, I’ve discovered several underground passages and have a general idea of where they lead. When everyone ducks into a small door, I remember that part of the building sits beneath the library. I go after them.